What is global warming and how does styrofoam contribute to global warming?

Answer 1

Global warming, according to the United Nations through the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) means that the earth is gradually warming because of actions of the human race. Specifically by adding to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and cutting down the world's forests. When we burn coal and oil, which we do to produce electricity and drive our transport, we release carbon dioxide that has been hidden away for millions of years. This is warming the planet.

The second part of the question is related to this. Styrofoam (polystyrene) is a plastic. Plastics are made from oil, mostly fossil fuel oil. Styrofoam is usually made with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) as blowing agents. These affect ozone depletion and global warming. They are not as harmful to the ozone layer as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) which were formerly used, but as a greenhouse gas HCFCs are about 1000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Answer 2

Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat. Styrofoam contributes to global warming in two ways: first, its production releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and second, it is non-biodegradable and when it breaks down over time, it releases harmful chemicals that contribute to air pollution, further exacerbating global warming.